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I stopped an hour at the Wells, where I made the acquaintance of the Pretender to the throne of Great Britain, and from there went on to Leghorn, where I found Count Orloff still waiting, but only because contrary winds kept him from sailing. The English consul, with whom he was staying, introduced me at once to the Russian admiral, who received me with expressions of delight.
But it seems that Corilla had only to express a wish in order to see it suddenly fulfilled; for the door was at that moment opened, and a servant announced Count Alexis Orloff.
Who knows but that this will give her more pleasure than the sparkling brilliants!" In that, however, the handsome Count Orloff was mistaken. The poetess Corilla therein resembled to a hair the prima-donnas and heroines of the stage of the present day.
And Orloff bowing, turned to leave the room, but Catharine threw herself upon the sofa with a sob and he returned. "Do you weep for Potemkin?" said he. "Spare your tears. He loves no one but himself, and his only aim in life is to enervate and weaken YOUR mind, that he may reign in your stead." "Oh, Orloff, be merciful!" said Catharine, clasping her hands.
"It was precisely because of his faults that I sent for you!" "Me!" "You Gregory Orloff, the truest of the true! You have done me good service in your life; to you I am indebted for my crown, and you are its brightest jewel. But I have a favor now to ask of you which concerns my happiness more than any thing you have ever done for me before, my Gregory."
We can therefore begin anew, your excellency. Have you still any commands for me?" "You now have a very noble and sublime part to play," said Orloff, laughing. "You must now appear as the benefactor of our Russian princess, and as the mediating forerunner of my own person!" "That will be indeed a charming role," said Ribas, rubbing his hands with delight.
On the 28th dined at the Duc de Broglie's, then home minister; Apponys, Prince Orloff, Lord Lyons, Lambert de Sainte-Croix there. Dined on the 29th with the Lyttons at Mme. Gavard's; and on the 30th with the Comte de Paris at De Mussy's. The year opened at Paris. Called on M. Guizot and dined with the Raymonds on New Year's Day.
He was delighted to see me, and seemed to set great store by my politeness in giving him the benefit of my short stay at Parma. I told him that Count Orloff was waiting for me at Leghorn, and that I was obliged to travel day and night. "He will be setting sail before long," said he; "I have advices from Leghorn to that effect."
As soon as her foot touched it, the cannon thundered, flags were waved on all the ships, and their crews shouted, "Viva Natalie of Russia!" Her eyes sought Orloff, who, with a scowling brow and gloomy features, was still standing on the shore. "Count Alexis Orloff!" cried she, with her silvery voice, "we await you!" But Alexis came not at her call.
We will say nothing to our friends of this dreadful matter, and at early dawn we will set off alone to return here;" and taking the boat-hook and his weapons, Orloff set off with his usual firm step and tireless energy.
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